Christian-Muslim Relations in Kariobangi, Nairobi: Contemporary Challenges and Future Prospects

Abstract

Many times when we switch on the Television, the radio or reading the newspapers and magazines, we come across unpleasant news about conflicts between Christian and Muslims. We hear of fights, killings of people on matters of faith. This leaves one with questions: Why should believers fight on the basis of faith? Have they really understood the fact that they are one in the faith because of the one Creator? Religious indifference, antagonism and divisions between Muslims and Christians have played a negative role in the social, political and religious history in different parts of the world as well as in many African countries. In this regard, there are countries like Nigeria, Sudan where application of the sharia Law has made it quite difficult for Christians to practice their religious teachings. Christianity and Islam have largely regarded each other as enemies. For centuries, many adherents of Christianity and Islam have undermined each other's efforts in evangelism and proselytization to win converts. In Kenya, for example, this scenario is seen by many Muslims in the crusading attitudes and activities.1